Gummy stem blight is a major foliar disease of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). In this study, morphological characteristics and rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were analyzed to identify the causal organism of this disease. Morphological examination of the Jeonbuk isolate revealed that the percentage of monoseptal conidia ranged from 0% to 10%, and the average length x width of the conidia was 70 (+/- 0.96) x 32.0 (+/- 0.15) microm on potato dextrose agar. The BLAST analysis showed nucleotide gaps of 1/494, 2/492, and 1/478 with identities of 485/492 (98%), 492/494 (99%), 491/494 (99%), and 476/478 (99%). The similarity in sequence identity between the rDNA ITS region of the Jeonbuk isolate and other Didymella bryoniae from BLAST searches of GenBank was 100% and was 95.0% within the group. Nucleotide sequences of the rDNA ITS region from pure culture ranged from 98.2% to 99.8%. Phylogenetic analysis with related species of D. bryoniae revealed that D. bryoniae is a monophyletic group distinguishable from other Didymella spp., including Ascochyta pinodes, Mycosphaerella pinodes, M. zeae-maydis, D. pinodes, D. applanata, D. exigua, D. rabiei, D. lentis, D. fabae, and D. vitalbina. Phylogenetic analysis, based on rDNA ITS sequence, clearly distinguished D. bryoniae and Didymella spp. from the 10 other species studied. This study identified the Jeonbuk isolate to be D. bryoniae.
Agar ; Base Sequence ; Bryonia ; Databases, Nucleic Acid ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Glucose ; Solanum tuberosum ; Spores, Fungal

Agrocybe aegerita is an important mushroom cultivated in Korea, with good feel and a peculiar fragrance. A. aegerita can be cultivated throughout the year using culture bottles but is more susceptible to contamination than other mushrooms. Twenty-two pathogens were isolated from the fruiting bodies and compost of A. aegerita, and seven isolates were isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus to compare with the A. aegerita isolates, collected from Gimje, Iksan, Gunsan of Chonbuk, and Chilgok of Gyeongbuk Province in 2009. These isolates were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Of the 29 isolates, 26 were identified as Trichoderma spp. and the remaining three were Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., and Penicillium spp. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 26 isolates of Trichoderma were divided into four taxa, namely T. harzianum, T. pleuroticola, T. longibrachiatum, and T. atroviride. Among the Trichoderma spp., 16 isolates (55.2%) were identified as T. harzianum, six as T. pleuroticola (20.7%), two as T. longibrachiatum, and the remaining two were T. atroviride.
Agaricales ; Agrocybe ; Aspergillus ; Fruit ; Korea ; Mucor ; Penicillium ; Pleurotus ; Soil ; Trichoderma

The pendulum test, recognized as a reliable measure of spasticity, has been replaced in this study by a video-based two dimensional motion analysis system. Using twenty five patients with spasticity(21 males, 4 females; mean age 46.6 year-old) in their lower legs due to lesions affecting the central nervous system and twenty two persons without any evidence of hypertonia(all males; mean age 23.4 year-old), five parameters such as relaxation index(RI), amplitude ratio(AR), torque at maximal acceleration velocity, number of swing and swing time were obtained for the purpose of documenting the reliability of the video-based two dimensional motion analysis system for the evaluation of spasticity. The values of RI(P<0.05), AR(P<0.01), and swing time(P<0.05) in patients with spasticity were significantly lower than control, whereas the value of torque in patients was significantly higher than control(P<0.01). Spearman's correlation coefficients of the RI(r=+/-0.70894, P<0.001), AR(r=+/-0.71832, P<0.001), number of swing(r=+/-0.59037, P<0.05) and swing time(r=+/-0.59648, P<0.01) showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the modified Ashworth scale, whereas that of torque(r=0.59037, P<0.01) showed a significant positive correlation. In conclusion, a pendulum test using a video-based two dimensional motion analysis system is a simple, and a reliable method for the quantitative evaluation of spasticity.
Acceleration ; Central Nervous System ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Female ; Humans ; Leg ; Male ; Muscle Spasticity ; Relaxation ; Torque

Familial hypophosphatemic ricket (Vitamin D-resistant ricket), first described by Albright in 1937, has been known to be transmitted as an X-linked dominant trait in most families. Children with this disease would show growth retardation with characteristic clinical features such as congenital alopecia, genu varum or genu valgum, coxa vara and waddling gait. Although the physical features associated with this disease have been documented frequently, the potential involvement of auditory pathway due to abnormal bone formation in skull has not been explored frequently. We report a twenty six-month-old female child with familial hypophosphatemic ricket who presented abnormal findings of brainstem auditory evoked potential study. The impaired hearing function should be alerted as one of possible accompanying disabilities of the disease.
Alopecia ; Auditory Pathways ; Child* ; Coxa Vara ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Gait ; Genu Valgum ; Genu Varum ; Hearing ; Humans ; Osteogenesis ; Rickets, Hypophosphatemic* ; Skull

PURPOSE: Since Rheinwald and Green laid the foundation of epidermal cell culture technology in 1975, many clinicians and scientists have attempted to prove the effectiveness of cultured epidermal autologous(CEA) or homogenetic(CEH) grafts in the wound healing process. In contrast to CEA which cultured from a patient's skin on demand, Cultured Epidermal Homograft (CEH) can be readily available to use on cleaned wounds. In this study, we conducted a controlled clinical trial in order to confirm the effectiveness of CEH in treating partial-thickness 2nd degree burn wounds. METHODS: From July 2003 to January 2004 at Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, we performed a clinical trial in which 35 patients who suffered from 2nd degree burns were enrolled. Wounds were randomly divided into two parts, control and test sites. Test sites were treated with allogeneic keratinocyte sheets (Kaloderm(R), Tegoscience Inc.), a CEH commercialized in Korea. RESULTS: All wounds healed completely without any major complication. The complete healing took 8.3+/- 2.8(mean+/-S.D.) days in the test sites as opposed to 11.7+/-3.3 days in the control sites. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we concluded that CEH accelerates re-epithelialization of partial thickness burn wounds and CEH can be an safe alternative to skin grafts for 2nd degree burns.
Allografts* ; Burns* ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Heart ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Korea ; Re-Epithelialization ; Skin ; Transplants ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries*

BACKGROUND: Deep burns of the elbow lead to soft tissue necrosis and infection, with exposure of deep structures. Adequate wound coverage of this area requires thin, pliable, and durable tissue, while optimal functional recovery requires early coverage and functional rehabilitation. We have found 3 types of island flaps that provide reliable coverage for the elbow. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on all patients who underwent flap coverage of an elbow defect at our hospital. The patients' data including age, sex, cause of injury, wound dimensions, timing of flap coverage, postoperative elbow motion, and complications were investigated. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2012, 16 patients were treated at our hospital. The mean age was 53.3 years. Three kinds of flaps were performed: 9 latissimus dorsi flaps, 4 lateral arm flaps, and 4 radial forearm flaps. The average defect size was 183.5 cm2 (range, 28 to 670 cm2). Wound coverage was performed at mean duration of 45.9 days (range, 14 to 91 days). The mean postoperative active elbow flexion was 98degrees (range, 85degrees to 115degrees). Partial flap failure occurred in 1 latissimus dorsi flap. Minor complications included partial flap loss (11.8%), hematoma (23.5%), seroma (35.3%), and wound infection (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Flap selection for elbow reconstruction is determined by the defect size and the extent of the adjacent tissue injury. Elbow reconstruction using an island flap is a single-staged, reliable, and relatively simple procedure that permits initiation of early rehabilitation, thereby improving a patient's functional outcome.
Arm ; Burns ; Elbow ; Forearm ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Seroma ; Surgical Flaps ; Wound Infection

PURPOSE: Anatomically, the foot is provided with insufficient blood supply and is relatively vulnerable to venous congestion compared to other parts of the body. Soft tissue defects are more difficult to manage and palliative treatments can cause hyperkeratosis or ulcer formation, which subsequently requires repeated surgeries. For weight bearing area such as the heel, not only is it important to provide wound coverage but also to restore the protective senses. In these cases, application of flaps for hind foot reconstruction is widely recognized as an effective treatment. In this study, we report the cases of soft tissue reconstruction for which various types of flaps were used to produce good results in both functional and cosmetic aspects. METHODS: Data from 37 cases of hind foot operation utilizing flaps performed between from June 2000 to June 2008 were analyzed. RESULTS: Burn related factors were the most common cause of defects, accounting for 19 cases. In addition, chronic ulceration was responsible for 8 cases and so forth. Types of flaps used for the operations, listed in descending order are radial forearm free flap(18), medial plantar island flap(6), rotation flap(5), sural island flap(3), anterolateral thigh free flap(2), lattisimus dorsi muscular flap(2), and contra lateral medial plantar free flap(1). 37 cases were successful, but 8 cases required skin graft due to partial necrosis in small areas. CONCLUSION: Hind foot reconstruction surgeries that utilize flaps are advantageous in protecting the internal structure, restoring functions, and achieving proper contour aesthetically. Generally, medial plantar skin is preferred because of the anatomical characteristics of the foot (e.g. fibrous septa, soft tissue for cushion). However alternative methods must be applied for defects larger than medial plantar skin and cases in which injuries exist in the flap donor/recipient site(scars in the vicinity of the wound, combined vascular injury). We used various types of flaps including radial forearm neurosensory free flap in order to reconstruct hind foot defects, and report good results in both functional and cosmetic aspects.
Accounting ; Burns ; Cosmetics ; Foot ; Forearm ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Heel ; Hyperemia ; Necrosis ; Organic Chemicals ; Palliative Care ; Skin ; Thigh ; Transplants ; Ulcer ; Weight-Bearing

PURPOSE: Patients with serious burns are prone to chondritis due to lack of soft tissue in the auricle, which can cause severe defects in the auricular morphology. In addition, skin damage occurs frequently in the vicinity of post-burn wounds, presenting difficulties in reconstruction surgery. An auricular reconstruction has functional and cosmetic significance. The aim of this study is to develop appropriate reconstruction methods for auricular defects. METHODS: Thirty seven patients, who were treated for auricular defects from 2005 to 2009, were enrolled in this study. A local flap, multiple regional flaps and cartilage framework with or without a temporal fascial flap were applied in reconstruction surgery according to the location of the auricular defect. RESULTS: The age of the subjects ranged from 11 to 56. Some subjects had defects that cover more than half of the helical rim with most exhibiting post-burn scars in the vicinity, for whom a multiple regional flap was used. A single use of a tubed flap was sufficient for subjects with defects that covered less than half of the helical rim. A regional flap was also used for reconstruction in subjects with defects covering both the helical rim and antehelix. CONCLUSION: Achieving satisfactory results from the skin flaps and skin grafts for post-burn auricular defects in both functional and cosmetic aspects is a difficult task. Therefore, selecting an appropriate surgical method through proper diagnosis of the auricular defect and the state of the available skin in the vicinity is essential.
Burns ; Cartilage ; Cicatrix ; Cosmetics ; Humans ; Skin ; Transplants

PURPOSE: Heterotopic calcification is a pathological event in which deposits of calcium salts build up, usually in the joint area or soft tissues. It can occur under many conditions and in some rare cases may develop in burn scars. In particular, ulcerations in burn scars accompanied by heterotopic calcification are difficult to treat through conservative treatment. This study reports methods for accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment of ulceration in burn scars accompanied by heterotopic calcification. METHODS: Fourteen patients who visited our hospital from March 2008 to January 2010 were subjected to this study. Their sex, age, modes of burn, degree, TBSA(%), ulcerated area, the time of occurrence of the ulcerations in the burn scars were investigated. In addition, radiological examination and biopsy was performed to diagnose heterotopic calcification. RESULTS: Among the 14 cases, 6 were male and 8 were female. The average age of the patients was 48.2(27-69 yrs). As for the mode of burn, 11 were flame burns and 3 were scalding burns. The average time of occurrence of the ulcerations in the burn scars was 4.5 months. The ulcerated areas were situated in the legs in 12 cases, arms in 1 case, and torso in 1 case. The diagnosis was confirmed through X-ray and biopsy, and skin graft was performed after wide excision. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of the ulceration in burn scars accompanied by heterotopic calcification is possible through radiological and pathologic studies. Surgical treatment is the most reliable method of treatment, and we chose to perform skin graft after wide excision. Also, we learned that the complete removal of the calcified tissue and the inflammatory fibrotic tissues is crucial in preventing recurrence. Also, in contrast to Marjolin's ulcer, heterotopic calcification had a small size, little or no granulation tissue, and lacked fungating type ulceration. Therefore, favorable prognosis could be achieved through adequate treatment.
Arm ; Biopsy ; Burns ; Calcium ; Cicatrix ; Female ; Granulation Tissue ; Humans ; Joints ; Leg ; Male ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Salts ; Skin ; Torso ; Transplants ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: An area of the skull exposed by burn injury has been covered by various methods including local flap, skin graft, or free flap surgery. Each method has disadvantages, such as postoperative alopecia or donor site morbidities. Due to the risk of osteomyelitis in the injured skull during the expansion period, tissue expansion was excluded from primary reconstruction. However, successful primary reconstruction was possible in burned skull by tissue expansion. METHODS: From January 2000 to 2011, tissue expansion surgery was performed on 10 patients who had sustained electrical burn injuries. In the 3 initial cases, removal of the injured part of the skull and a bone graft was performed. In the latter 7 cases, the injured skull tissue was preserved and covered with a scalp flap directly to obtain natural bone healing and bone remodeling. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 49.9+/-12.2 years, with 8 male and 2 female. The size of the burn wound was an average of 119.6+/-36.7 cm2. The mean expansion duration was 65.5+/-5.6 days, and the inflation volume was an average of 615+/-197.6 mL. Mean defect size was 122.2+/-34.9 cm2. The complications including infection, hematoma, and the exposure of the expander were observed in 4 cases. Nonetheless, only 1 case required revision. CONCLUSIONS: Successful coverage was performed by tissue expansion surgery in burned skull primarily and no secondary reconstruction was needed. Although the risks of osteomyelitis during the expansion period were present, constant coverage of the injured skull and active wound treatment helped successful primary reconstruction of burned skull by tissue expansion.
Alopecia ; Burns ; Female ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Inflation, Economic ; Male ; Osteomyelitis ; Scalp ; Skin ; Skull ; Tissue Donors ; Tissue Expansion ; Transplants